Things to Do in Wilmington

Things to Do in Wilmington, NC - Wilmington Attractions

Things to Do in Wilmington

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Battleship North Carolina, Airlie Gardens, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Historic Sites. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Top Attractions in Wilmington

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Historical WWII battleship allowing visitors to explore well-preserved compartments such as gun turrets and engine rooms, providing an educational glimpse into naval life.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Tranquil gardens with historic live oaks and Spanish moss, showcasing vibrant azaleas and a butterfly house. Enjoy serene walks along the trails and scenic views.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Historical mansion with well-preserved slave quarters and detailed narratives on pre-Civil War life. Features original architecture and a focus on the region's heritage through guided tours.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Art and history intertwine at this intimate museum set on a Civil War battleground, featuring a modern sculpture garden, rotating exhibits, and a café with local delicacies.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

What travelers are saying

  • Wyatt B
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You can explore various parts of the ship, including the gun turrets and the crew's living quarters. The views of the river from the deck are also beautiful, offering some great photo opportunities.
    Written February 2, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hedgeclipperz
    Omaha, NE267 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A friend from Wilmington told me we just had to visit Airlie Gardens...even off season. It was a beautiful and warm day in early February. Still fun to walk around. The people working there were very helpful...at the front desk and walking around. We were especially awed by the huge live oaks.
    Written February 8, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CindyMcN
    Charlotte, NC292 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Riverwalk is a great place to get some exercise and to get around in Wilmington. We had a really nice walk at sunset on our way to dinner and back. Also walked to get coffee in the morning. At no time did we feel uneasy or unsafe. We were staying at a place on the Riverwalk that had parking so not sure where the parking is.
    Written January 30, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Avidesh
    Oxford, UK700 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Soo much recent history within the walls here. Loved the visit. There is authenticity here that you don't quite get when you visit other historical buildings etc. The stark contrast between the slave quarters and mansion owners gives a glimpse into the horrible past of enslaved workers.
    Written January 29, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Life2Travel
    Charlotte, NC1,974 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were staying just outside the historic area and enjoyed our daily walks through this area, taking a different street everyday to enjoy seeing the homes. It was near Halloween and many homes were decorated for Halloween, I can only imagine how nice it must look at Christmas time. We took a historical architecture walking tour and learned so much about the different styles of the homes, the history of the area and folklore.
    Written January 12, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Life2Travel
    Charlotte, NC1,974 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Take some time to walk around or take a carriage ride in downtown. There are lots of places to grab a coffee, drink or a meal as well as to do some shopping.
    Written January 12, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Avidesh
    Oxford, UK700 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a pleasant surprise. I visited as I had some time to spare, but I am sure glad I did. I did not realised that I would be so fascinated with train models and looking at model trains in action. The onsite locomotive and caboose were so much to explore. Highly recommend.
    Written January 27, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Linda D
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Before entering the museum, there is a park showing native and non-native plants and, in mid-September, it was full of butterflies. There are several boats used for different purposes and different times. Inside, you are greeted with the skeleton of a giant sloth which once roamed the area.

    We enjoyed the "Cape Fear Stories" the best. Exhibits started with artifacts from ancient peoples and continued until the present. We are from New England and found the information about the long leaf pine and its uses fascinating. Tar and pitch, "naval stores", came from these trees and a lot of back-breaking labor. The slogan, "Tar Heel State" finally made sense to us.

    There are many other exhibits within the museum, including several for children. This is a great place to go. There is a parking lot.
    Written October 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jim W
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great small winery. It is usual that I like one or two wines at the wineries I visit but I liked ALL of them at Noni Bacca, we tried 12. Fantastic service and conversation. Can’t say enough about the place. Our new favorite winery from our travels.
    Written September 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • FarAway750814
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Poplar Grove’s Executive Director gave one of the best historical plantation tours we have ever taken. Her insights into the daily lives of enslaved people were unvarnished and thought provoking. She possessed vast knowledge of the topic and had a very engaging way of delivering her message. Excellent tour.
    Written February 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ChuckDallas
    Dallas, TX215 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My son (age 16) attended Sea Turtle Camp Hawaii for a two week adventure in July 2023. I was wary of how it would go, since he had never been away for that length of time and without access to a cellular device. My concerns were misplaced. He had a wonderful time! I think the group was about 12 students and they seemed to coalesce as a term very quickly. The camp "leaders", Madeline, Molly, and Ryan were all excellent. Drop-off at Honolulu airport was seemless as was pickup two weeks later. Everyday the Camp posted pictures of that particular days' activities so it was obvious from the photos that everyone was having a grand time. There are many forms to complete but given the range of activities it was reasonable, just time consuming. That is my only minor whine. 100% recommendation.
    Written August 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nancy A
    304 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    One gallery was between exhibits, so I got a reduced admission. The two galleries that were open are not large and it didn't take long to see both exhibits. The outdoor sculpture garden was lots of fun. Lunch at the cafe was great!
    Written November 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
  • January
    47 ºF
    Coldest month
    5 days of rain
    Less busy
  • February
    51 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • March
    56 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • April
    64 ºF
    5 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • May
    72 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Very busy
  • June
    79 ºF
    8 days of rain
    Very busy
  • July
    82 ºF
    Hottest month
    8 days of rain
    Very busy
    Busiest month
  • August
    81 ºF
    10 days of rain
    Wettest month
    Very busy
  • September
    76 ºF
    7 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • October
    67 ºF
    4 days of rain
    Less busy
  • November
    56 ºF
    5 days of rain
    Less busy
  • December
    51 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Less busy
    Least busy month
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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